Knights Forward Nate Chuckran Commits to Stony Brook

One of the most veteran junior players in the Knights Organization, Nate Chuckran has made his decision to go to Stony Brook University starting this fall. The Seawolves are an ACHA division I program that have recorded 20 or more wins in 16 of their last 19 seasons and in the last four years has won four-consecutive ESCHL Championships along with one national championship runner up finish. For Chuckran it wasn’t just the hockey accolades he was focused on.

“What stood out to me is how highly ranked the school is itself. I’m going for biomedical engineering so it narrows down my choices a lot. They have a great program. Their coach Chris Garofalo keeps a tight ship.”

Chuckran has been a long-time veteran of the EHL, having played in his 100th career game (including playoffs) in the Knights regular season finale Saturday. His four-team career has been strong, wracking up 21 goals and 47 points in that span. His 2017-18 season, split between the Philadelphia Junior Flyers and the Knights, has been his most-productive, scoring 13-18-31 in 41 games played.

“The EHL has helped me prepare by helping me grow as a player,” said Chuckran. ” It’s helped me mature as a player. It’s definitely increased my poise with the puck and taught me to not be afraid to get in the corners at all.”

“Chuck is a hard-nose player that puts 100% in to every he does on and off the ice,” said his head coach, Josh Fusco. “He’s very motivated, driven and has a lot passion. From day one, after we acquired him from the Junior Flyers, he’s brought leadership to this team and moved into that assistant captain role nicely for us. As a ’97 He’s brought a lot of junior experience and more importantly he’s brought that winning attitude to our locker room.”

“I think I have a positive impact on the guys,” said Chuckran of what he brings to a team. “Any where I’ve gone that’s the feeling I’ve gotten. As far as on the ice, I think I make a defensive impact and I bring a lot of speed with my game.”

With his college decision made, Chuckran is now focused on finishing his junior career on a high note.

“Obviously we want to win a championship,” he said. “Not only that, I want to leave the guys here with a positive impact. I want to help them and guide them to a better position for their future as far as junior hockey goes, each of them individually. I’ll miss this team and the fun we’ve had, [laughing] everybody’s saying ‘OH YEAH’ all the time.”

Chuckran’s and his teammates’ enthusiasm will be a welcome sight when the team kicks off their postseason this weekend against the New York Applecore. The playoffs will serve as Chuckran’s final chapter of his junior career, one he’s happy to have had, and aware of those who have made it possible.

“A big thanks to my parents for supporting me through all of this and all the coaches that got me here. I couldn’t have done it by myself. I’m excited for a new beginning at Stony Brook. I’m very optimistic about their program and the school itself.”

“Nate is a kid that is going to succeed in life” said Fusco. “I’m very happy for him on his decision moving forward with his hockey and academic future.”

The Knights organization congratulates Nate on his commitment and thanks him for his contributions to the EHL program’s success. They look forward to rooting him on in his Stony Brook career and beyond!